Issue 7, 2023

The trianionic hydrazido radical (N2)3−: a promising platform for transforming N2

Abstract

A quintessential approach to activate and functionalize the exceptionally stable diatomic nitrogen (N2) consists of its coordination to transition metal complexes. Accordingly, coordinated N2 can undergo reduction steps to deliver a variety of anionic species such as (N2)1−, (N2)2−, (N2)3− and (N2)4−. In this context, trianionic hydrazido radicals (N2)3− seem to possess atypical reactivity which can be harnessed to forge unprecedented nitrogen-element functionalities (N–E) (E = element). In spite of these promising characteristics, the reaction chemistry of metal-coordinated (N2)3− ligands remains considerably scarce in the literature. In this article, we have surveyed the limited reports related to (N2)3− species and performed preliminary DFT calculations on the known scandium–(N2)3− complex [(η5-C5Me5){nBuC(NiPr)2}Sc]22–η22-N2)[{K(2.2.2)cryptand}] (1). We have emphasized the future study of the coordinated trianionic hydrazido radical (N2)3− by proposing reaction intermediates and possible reaction pathways as well as radical coupling strategies. These ideas represent an effort to stimulate alternative perspectives on the activation and transformation of N2 into N-containing compounds.

Graphical abstract: The trianionic hydrazido radical (N2)3−: a promising platform for transforming N2

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Chemistry Frontiers
Submitted
29 nov 2022
Accepted
30 dec 2022
First published
04 jan 2023

Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 1952-1957

The trianionic hydrazido radical (N2)3−: a promising platform for transforming N2

J. R. Aguilar-Calderón, J. Wei and Z. Xi, Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023, 10, 1952 DOI: 10.1039/D2QI02543D

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